Dear New Yorker,
The MTA recently announced plans to restore and expand service on nearly 40 subway, bus and commuter rail lines, two years after approving deep cuts amid a budget shortfall.
This is great news for transit riders around the five boroughs.
The restorations in bus service to neighborhoods underserved by mass transit, together with important new projects like the extension of the G train to Church Avenue and the implementation of new service connecting the Brooklyn Tech Triangle, will improve accessibility, help create jobs, and solidify our city as the new tech capital of the world.
But, as I wrote in a letter to the MTA's Board, the 2010 service cuts will continue to be negatively felt until all of the reductions have been fully restored.
That's why I have urged Chairman Lhota and the Board Members to continue making these restorations a top priority in future budgets.
Being able to move around the City quickly and efficiently is important not just for those who ride the mass transit system, but also for the businesses, both small and large, that operate in our city. Restoring these cuts will go a long way toward ensuring that all of our neighborhoods are accessible by public transportation.
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In other transportation-related news, last month the City Council passed Local Law 36 of 2012 to help crack down on Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) licensed drivers who facilitate sex trafficking with a vehicle.
This new law is part of a broader effort to combat sex trafficking in New York City that includes a new collaboration with Delta, Jet Blue and American Airlines to begin sharing the latest training information and practices to combat sex trafficking.
We also passed Local Law 32 of 2012 to help make things safer in our city by cracking down on those who operate vehicles for hire without a proper TLC license, as these illegal vehicles are not inspected or insured properly.
I want to thank all of the advocates who worked with us on this legislation, everyone at Delta, Jet Blue and American Airlines for their commitment to fighting sex trafficking, and most importantly the victims who courageously stepped forward to testify at our hearings on sex trafficking in New York City.
Special thanks as well to Council Members Ferreras and Vacca for introducing and advocating for the passage of their respective bills in the City Council.
You can read more about Local Law 32 and Local Law 36 on the Council's website at www.council.nyc.gov .
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Finally, on a lighter note, I'm very happy to report that the East River Ferry service celebrated its one millionth rider earlier this month.
In just a little more than a year since its launch, the East River Ferry has consistently exceeded paid ridership predictions and provided residents and tourists alike with a fun, scenic alternative to getting around some of New York City's most vibrant neighborhoods.
We're very excited about the success of this service.
Whether it's from home to work, work to home or just for fun, riders from across the City are taking advantage of this fun, scenic alternative to getting around some of our most vibrant neighborhoods, and we look forward to this ferry's continued success and to expanding ferry service across the five boroughs.
For additional information about the East River Ferry, including routes, fares and schedules, log on to http://www.nywaterway.com/ERF-Home.aspx .
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Thanks for allowing me to share this important news with you. As always, we appreciate hearing from you, so if you have any questions or comments about the initiatives above, please don't hesitate to contact me directly at speakerquinn@council.nyc.gov . Otherwise, I hope to be in touch again soon with additional news and updates.
Take care.
Sincerely,
Christine C. Quinn
Speaker
NYC Council